demurjian



Feb? 1960 A. c. DEMURJIAN 2,923,911

MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONNECTOR Filed Sept. 19, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2 I 76 570 64 5 69 74 75 FIG. 5

FIG. 6 INVENTOR.

ASHOD CHARLES DEMURJIAN A. C. DEMURJIAN MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONNECTOR F eb. 2, 1 960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 19, 1955 57 -54 [5? FIG. 8

FIG?

FIG. 9

3 f FIG.

INVENTOR. ASHOD CHARLES DEMURJ IAN FIG.I2

ATTORN Feb. 2, 1960 A. c. DEMURJIAN 2,923,911

MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONNECTOR Filed Sept. 19, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVEN TOR. ASHOD CHARLES DEMURJ IAN Feb. 2, 1960 A. c. DEMURJIAN MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONNECTOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 19, 1955 INVENTOR. ASHOD CHARLES DEMURJIAN AFTORNEY MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONNECTOR Ashod Charles Demurjian, Cranston, RI.

Application September 19, 1955, Serial No. 535,158

Claims. (Cl. 339-176) My present invention relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to a novel construction of a multiple circuit connector.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a multiple circuit connector which is adjustable for conductivity and spring tension.

Another object of the present .invention is to provide a multiple circuit connector having an adjustable low insertion force.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multiple circuit connector having a low ohmic resistance.

Another object of the present invention is to'provide a multiple circuit connector having good conductivity.

A further object of the .present invention is to provide a multiple circuit connector particularly suitable for either single or double printed circuits.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable multiple circuit connector for either sliding contacts or male and female insertion type connections.

A further object of the present inventionis .to provide an adjustable multiple circuit connector that is simple in construction and easy and economical to produce and assemble.

With the above and other objects and advantageous features in view, my invention consists of .a novel arrangement of parts, more fully disclosed in the detailed description following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and more particularly defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of amultiple circuit connector embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a section taken along line 22' on Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section taken along line 3-3 on Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectiontaken along line 4-4 on Fig. '1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one of the upper contact blades.

Fig. 6 is-a perspective view of one of the lower contact blades .for a double circuit.

Fig. 7 is :a top plan view of the upper connector element.

Fig. 8 is :an end'view of the same.

Fig. 9 is an'edge 'view of the same.

Fig. 1.0 is a itoptplan viewof the lower connector element.

Fig. '12 is an end'view of the same.

Fig. 13 is a front elevation of another form .of multiple connector embodying my .invention.

Fig. .14 is=an enlarged section taken along line 14-14 on Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is asectioniaken along line.d5-=-15.on;Fig. 114.

Fig. -1-6 is a perspective view of .one .ofthewcontact pins for the form shown inFig. .1 3.

Fig. 17 is .a-topplan view-ofianother formof multiple connector embodying .my invention.

Fig. 18 is an edge -view.of thezsame.

nited States Patent 0 Patented Feb. 2, 1960 Fig. 19 is an enlarged section taken along 'line 19-2-19 on Fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of one of the terminals in the form shown in Fig. 17.

Fig. 21 is a top plan view of a modified form of my invention.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged section taken along line 22-42 on Fig. 21.

In recent years the expanded use of electrical and electronic equipment has resulted in new types of multiple circuits which have required new techniques in the manufacture and assembly of the component parts.

For example, the development of the printed circuit has resulted in the construction of a new type of elongated connector designed to slide over the edge of the circuit board and contact .each element of the circuit. Also, the .conventional male and female insertion type connectors have been expanded so that a single connector may have 25 or more connections.

The above constructions have resulted in certain prob. lems peculiar to: the characteristics of electronic circuits which must be taken care of by the connector. It is essential that .the connector have good conductivity and maintain the proper spring tension and it is extremely essential that the connector have a low ohmic resistance.

In the case of the printed, circuit, these are printed .on

boards which vary plus or minus .015 over a mean dimension -S lchas %6",-%2", 6" ;etc. This means ,a

total variation of .030. Where-the connector is built to provide the best balance between the insertion force and the ohmic resistance :its performance will vary from board to board.

The present invention is designedto provide a multiple connector which. is ideal for ,obtaining the best results under .varying conditions. fi his is accomplished -by ,providing a multiple connector .whichpan either be preset to a specific opening .or adjusted .after insertion. The connector of the presentinvention is also easily manufactured from, two separable :parts assembled to providean insertion opening which extends through the connector. This eliminatescorners where dust and moisture can collect thus creating high resistance at the contact point -or leakage.

Referring morein detailto the drawings illustrating my invention, Figs. 1 to inclusive show the invention as applied to a ;multiple.connector for a printed circuit board. The connector comprises a base portion30 and .an adjustable portion 31. Referring to Figs. 10, 1 1 and 12, the base ,portion. 30 comprises an elongated .rec-

,tangular body of dielectricmaterial whichcanbe readily molded of plastic or any other suitable material. }It comprises a central portion 32 having a plurality of grooves or channels 33 extending across the width of the portion .32 separated by the ribs 34. Just forward of the centertof each groove '33 is a rectangular opening 35. Referring to Fig. 2, each opening35 comprises an ,tions 43 ;at eachqend of, the channels each having an opening 44 extending therethrough. Each opening 44 is formed as shown in Fig. 3 with an enlarged portion 45 and a narrower tapered portion 46. Extending laterally from the portions 43 to the rear of the base 30 are integral blocks 47 shown in Figs. 1, 10, 11 and 12. Each block 47 is provided with an assembly opening 48 and a journal opening 49 which extends back into the thickened portions 43. Y

Now referring to Figs. 7, 8 and 9, the upper'adjustable portion 31 comprises a central elongated rectangular portion 50 having grooves or channels 51 and ribs 52 extending transversely beneath the portion 50 and adapted to register with the grooves 33 and ribs 34' on the base 30. The portion 50 is provided with integral thickcued portions 53 at each end having openings 54 extending therethrough. Referring to Fig. 3, each opening 54 is provided with an upper enlarged portion having an abrupt shoulder 55 and a lower enlarged portion 56. The rear portion of the adjustable member 31 is provided at each end with an integral pivot pin 57. It should also be noted that the thickened portions 53 at each end are tapered slightly as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 so that they are slightly narrower at. the front. The member 31 is provided in each groove or channel 51 with a forwardly positioned opening 58 wider at the upper end as at 59 in Fig. 2, and narrower at the lower end to form an abrupt shoulder 60. To the rear of each groove is an opening 61 extending the full width of the groove and also wider at its upper end as at 62 and narrower at its lower end to form an abrupt shoulder 63.

In assembling the connector the electrical contact blades shown in Figs. and 6 are first inserted. If it is desired, or more convenient to make the electrical contact at the rear of the connector then the straight blade shown in Fig. 5 is used. If it is desirable to make the connection above or below the connector then the blade shown in Fig. 6 is used. For purposes of illustration it is assumed that the printed circuit board is a double board printed on both sides and requiring both contact blades. In the form illustrated, the straight blade is mounted in the upper member 31 andthe angle blade is mounted in the base 30. However, in view of the con struction of the various openings they can readily be reversed.

Now referring to Figs. 2 and 5, the straight blade comprises a straight flat contact portion 64 having an elongated opening 65 at the outer end for attachment to a cord lead connection. The inner end is. bent back at 66 at an acute angle and the free end is again bent downwardly toward the blade at 67 to form aspring contact portion. The body of the blade is provided with spaced lugs 68 and 69 cut out from opposite side edges, the lugs 69 being adjacent the bent" end and the lug 68 being adjacent the center. The lugs 68 and 69 have bent over tips forming hook portions. The assembly of the blades shown in Fig. 5 is simple. Each blade is laid into a channel 51 so that the lug 69 enters the opening 58 and the lug 68 enters the opening 61. The blade is pushed inwardly until the hooked portion of the lug 69 snaps over the abrupt shoulder 60 in the open ing 58 and the hooked portion on the lug 68 snaps over the abrupt shoulder 63 in the opening 61. Each blade is then locked in its channel as shown in Fig. 2 with the spring contact portion extending downwardly and the portion 64 extending rearwardly as shown in Fig. 1.

The blade shown in Fig. 6 is provided with a body portion 70 which is bent at right angles. The outer end is provided with an elongated opening 71 and at a point adjacent the bend is provided with an integral lug 72. The inner portion is bent at an acute angle as at 73 and the free end bent back toward the blade as at 74 to form the spring contact portion. Adjacent. the bent end the portion 70 is provided with a depending lug 75 having a hooked tip. In assembly the blade is placed n h channels'or grooves 33 on the base 30 and the contact end is passed through the wide opening 39 until the lug 75 enters the opening 35. The blade is then snapped into place with the hooked end of the lug 75 snapping over the shoulder 38 in the opening 35 and the lug 72 snapping over the shoulder 42 in the openings 39. The blades are then locked in place with the contact end extending downwardly. Since the various pairs of openings in the base 30 and adjustable member 31 are identical the blades shown in Figs. 5 and 6 are interchangeable.

With the base and adjustable member of the connector provided with the desired number of contact blades the member 31 is held at right angles to the rear of the base 30 until the pivot pins 57 can be slipped into the openings 49. The member 31 is then rotated forwardly on its pivot into the position shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4. in this position the openings 44 and 54 are in vertical align ment. A bolt 76 having a tapered head 77 and a lock washer 78- is pushed upwardly through each opening 44 in the base 30. A coil spring 79 is placed over the bolt 76 so that it extends into the upper wider portion 45' of each opening. A fiatheaded nut'80 is placed into the opening 54 of the adjustable member 31 and threaded to the end of the bolt. The nut 80 is provided with a flat head having a slot 81 which engages the abrupt shoulder 55 in each opening. With the parts thus assembled as shown in Figs. 1 and'3 the tapered portion of the upper member 31 permits further movement of the member toward the base to narrow the space between the contact portions of the blades. This can be done by turningeach nut 80. To provide'a uniform pressure throughout theconnector each opening 54 is provided around its perimeter with gradations 82 as shown in Figs. 1 and 7 so that the number of turns or fractions of a turn on each nut may be equalized.

Tame, the printed circuit board 83 shown in Fig. l is provided with the circuit connections 84 to coincide with the channels '33 and 51. For ease and assembly the nuts 80 are initially loosened-thus reducing the force necessary to apply the connector to a minimum. After the connector is in place and slipped over the end of the board 33, the nuts 80 are tightened causing the adjustable portion 31 to pivot downwardly and force the contact portions of the blades into firmer contact with the circuit. The spring tension can thus be regulated and maintained and good conductivity andlow ohmicresistance are provided. The connector is more easily molded than the socket type and simpler to manufacture and assemble. The pivoted connection forms the connector into a clamping jaw which effectively overcomes the variations in the thicknesses of the'printed circuit boards and makes for ease of assembly and uniformly good contacts. The various parts can be molded on automatic equipment and the contacts made on conventional presses.

The basic concept of thexinvention therefore resides in the adjustment of the contact pressure so that it can be loose on insertion to reduce the insertion force and tightened after insertion to reduce the ohmic resistance. In the form'shown in Figs. 13 to 16 inclusive, the adjustable feature is coupled with an individual spring pressure at each contact. In this form an elongated rectangular base 85 is provided with a plurality'of vertical slots 86 extending from the upper end downwardly part way through the base. The bottom of each slot 86 is provided with a restricted portion with abrupt shoulders 87 and opening into a longitudinal slot 88 extending along the front of the base. The central portion of each slot 86 constitutes an enlarged annular opening 89 as shown in Fig. 15. The top portion 90 is mounted on the base 85 and is provided with an upwardly extending annular opening 91 in alignment with each opening 86 and an upwardly extending narrow slot 92.

Each contact pin is constructed as shown in Fig. 16. It comprises an elongated rectangular shank 93 having an integral shoe 94- at its bottom end. The shoe 94 has laterally extending portions :95 and a -,tapered-bottom end 96.

In assembly a contact pin is slipped into each slot 86 until the portions 95 contact the abrupt shoulders =87 at the bottom of the slot. In this position the tapered ends 96 will extend into the slot 88. A coil spring 97 is placed over the shank 93 into each opening 89. The top 90 is then moved downwardly so that 'eachshank93 extends through a slot 92 and the top of the spring '97 ex tends into the opening 91. The assembly is held together by adjustable bolts and nuts 98 at each end.

With the parts thus assembled and the bolts '98 loosened a printed circuit such as shown in Fig. 1 can be slipped into the slot 88 against the action of the individual springs 97, the shoe ends 96 sliding over each contact. After the connector has been mounted the bolts 98 are tightened to increase the contact pressure at each point. This construction provides the same adjustable features as in the previous form with a more positive spring contact pressure at each point of contact. It is not as versatile in that it will only handle a board printed on one side and is more expensive to manufacture and assemble. However, for certain specific purposes it may be more desirable.

The same principles set forth in the forms shown in Figs 1 to 16 may be applied to any type of multiple connector. For example, Figs. 17 to 20 inclusive illustrate the construction applied to a multi-contact male and female type of connector. At the present time these connectors are constructed with individually spring loaded pins. These are very expensive to manufacture and assemble. In the form illustrated, an adjustable contact is provided which will effect a substantial savings over the spring loaded type. This form is illustrated with 18 contacts. It is obvious that it can be modified to include any desired number. It comprises a plurality of elongated rectangular bloc'ks 99 held together by adjustable bolts 100. The adjacent blocks 99 are provided with rows of contact openings 101 in such manner that half the opening is on one block and half the opening on the other block. Each opening is provided with a central restricted portion 102 forming upper and lower abrupt shoulders and terminating at the lower end with a smaller opening 103.

Each female contact pin is constructed as shown in Fig. 20. It comprises a barrel shape having a narrow central portion 104 and an upper turned over lip 105. The lower end extends outwardly at 106 and then terminates in a narrow portion 107 having a depending contact portion 108 for attachment to the cord lead wire. Each pin is split into three or more segments as shown in Fig. 20 to give the barrel portion resiliency. In assembly each contact pin is snapped into one of the openings 101 so that the restricted portions 102 extend into the narrow portions 104. The upper end of the restricted portion locks under the lips 105 and the lower end extends over the portions 106. The contact portions 108 extend outwardly through the narrow portions 103 of each slot.

With the parts thus assembled the bolts 100 are loosened to permit the multiple male contacts to be easily inserted. Now when the bolts 100 are tightened each contact pin is squeezed so that the three segments are forced inwardly against the male contact pin. A tighter contact can thus be made than in the spring loaded type. It should be noted that the bolts 100 and the bolts 98 shown in Fig. 13 may be replaced by the type of adjustment assembly shown in Fig. 3. In either case a simple and inexpensive multiple male and female type connector is provided which combines a low insertion force and a low ohmic resistance. Furthermore, the spring tension is constant and can always be maintained by making the necessary adjustment of the bolts.

In the form shown in Fig. 1 the base member and adjustable member are pivotally connected at their rear edges and the adjustment is made at the front edges.

.I-Iowever,-it is'possible to obtain the same results by eliminating 'the .pivot and substituting a second pair of adjustment screws so that one member floats over the other. This is illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22. In this form the base member 109 is similar to the base member 30 except that the end blocks are eliminated and the ends are provided with vertical openings 110 and 11 1 with a central recess 112 between them. The upper member 113 is similar to the member 31 with the pivots eliminated and the ends are provided with openings 114 and 1.15 and a recess 116. The body portions are made identical with the form shown in Fig. 1 with the same channels and contact pins. In assembly the member 113 is placed over the member 109 with a spring 117 being positioned in the recesses 11 2 and 116. The adjustment screws 118 extend upwardly through the openings 110 and 114 and 111 and 115. The adjustable nuts 119 extend into the top portion 113. In this form the adjustment is made in four places instead of two. The result will be the same as shown in Fig. 1 except for a slight additional cost of assembly.

I have thus provided a multiple connector adaptable for making large numbers of contacts either on a printed circuit or in a male or female typeof connector wherein the connector has a low insertion force but is thereafter adjustable to maintain the proper spring tension on the individual contacts and provide good conductivity and low ohmic resistance. The construction illustrated is simple and easy and economical to manufacture and assemble. Other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A multiple connector comprising a generally rectangular elongated base member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the upper surface thereof, an upper complementary rectangular elongated member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the lower surface thereof, the end of said members being thicker than said channeled portions to provide an insertion opening between said channeled portions when said members are positioned one over the other, a contact blade mounted in each of said channels, means for anchoring said blades in said channels, each of said blades having a contact portion extending from its channel and a cord connecting portion extending from the outer surface of said connector, and means for mounting said upper member on said base member and for adjusting the insertion opening between said members, said mounting and adjusting means including a pivot pin extending laterally from each end of the lower rear edge of said upper member, said base member having pivot openings at each end of the rear upper edge, said pins extending into said openings, and an adjustable bolt at each forward corner of said connector for pivotally adjusting the distance between said members.

2. A multiple connector comprising a generally rectangular elongated base member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the upper surface thereof, an upper complementary rectangular elongated member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the lower surface thereof, the ends of said members being thicker than said channeled portions to provide an insertion opening between said channeled portions when said members are positioned one over the other, a contact blade mounted in each of said channels, means for anchoring said blades in said channels, each of said blades having a contact portion extending from its channel and a cord connecting portion extending from the outer surface of said connector, and means for mounting said upper member on said base member and for adjusting the insertion opening between said members, said blade anchoring means including integral lugs extending from said blades, said members having openings in each channel with abrupt shoulders, said lugs locking over said shoulders, said mounting and adjusting means including a pivot pin extending laterally from each end of the lower rear edge of said upper member, said base member having pivot openings at each end of the rear upper edge, said pins extending into said openings, and an adjustable bolt at each forward corner of said connector for pivotally adjusting the distance between said members. I

3. A multiple connector comprising a generally rectangular elongated base member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the upper surface thereof, an upper complementary rectangular elongated member of dielectric material havinga plurality of transverse channels on the lower surface thereof, the ends of said members being thicker than said channeled portions to provide an insertion opening between said channeled portions when said members are posi tioned one over the other, a contact blade mounted in each of said channels, means for anchoring said blades in said channels, each of said blades'having a contact portion extending from its channel and a cord connecting portion extending from the outer surface of said connector, the cord connecting portions of the blades on one member extending rearwardly and on the other member extending vertically, and means for mounting said upper member on said base member and for adjusting the insertion opening between said members, said mounting and adjusting means including a pivot pin extending laterally from each end of the lower rear edge of said upper member, said base member having pivot openings at each end of the rear upper edge, said pins extending into said openings, and an adjustable bolt at each for ward corner of said connector for pivotally adjusting the distance between said members.

4. A multiple connector comprising a generally recfrom said blades, said members having-openings in each channel with abrupt shoulders, said lugs locking over said shoulders, said mountingand adjusting means including a pivot pin extending laterally from each end of the lower rear edge of said upper member, said base member having pivot openings at each end of the rear upper edge, said pins extending into said openings, and an adjustable bolt at each forward corner of said connector for pivotally adjusting the distance between said members.

5. A multiple connector comprising a generally rectangular elongated base member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the upper surface thereof, an upper complementary rectangular elongated member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the lower surface thereof, the ends of said members being thicker than said channeled portions to provide an insertion opening between said channeled portions when said membersare positioned one over the other, said upper member ends tapering forwardly, a contact blade mounted in each of said channels, means for anchoring said bladesin said channels, each of said blades having a contact portion extending from its channel and a cord connecting portion extending from the outer surface of said connector, and means for mounting said upper member on said basemember and for adjusting the insertion opening between said members, said mounting and adjusting means including a pivot pin extending laterally from each end of the lower rear edge of said upper member,

- said base member having pivot openings at each end of tangular elongated base member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the upper surface thereof, an upper complementary rectangular elongated member of dielectric material having a plurality of transverse channels on the lower surface thereof, the ends of said members being thicker than said channeled portions to provide an insertion opening between said channeled portions when said members are positioned one over the other, a contact blade mounted in each of said channels, means for anchoring said blades in said channels, each of said blades having a contact portion extending from its channel and a cord connecting portion extending from the outer surface of said connector, the cord connecting portions of the blades on one member extending rearwardly and on the other member extending vertically, and means for mounting said upper member on said base member and for adjusting the insertion opening between said members, said blade anchoring means including integral lugs extending the rear upper edge, said pins extending into said openings, and an adjustable bolt at each forward corner of said connector for pivotally adjusting the distance between said members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 468,654 Gibbs Feb. 9, 1892 1,472,215 Goughnour Oct. 30, 1923 1,666,247 Schuldt Apr. 17, 1928 2,212,505 Abbott Aug. 27, 1940 2,254,914 Rugg Sept-2, 1941 2,261,761 Hanson et al. Nov. 4, 1941 2,304,808 Draving Dec. 15, 1942 2,514,562 Stickney July 11, 1950 2,730,683 Ayres et al. Jan. 10, 1956 2,768,361 Aquillon et al. Oct. 23, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 648,076 Great Britain Dec. 28, 1950 684,579 Great Britain Dec. 17, 1952 OTHER REFERENCES Electronics, page 128a, March 1956. 

